commission proposal for a new life regulation...

Commission proposal for a new LIFE Regulation

2014-2020

EU Funding for the Environment and Climate Action

12 December 2011

Structure of the Presentation

1. Context

2. Objectives

3. Structure

4. Work Programmes

5. Types of Funding

6. Territorial Scope

7. Simplification

8. Management

9. Calendar for adoption

1. Context: the Multi annual Financial Framework (June 2011)Environment and Climate Action are integral part of all interventions and instruments

However, mainstreaming does not address all environment and climate needs

Thus, the need for a Specific Instrument –LIFE

Budget €2.400m for Environment and €800m for Climate Action

1. Context: Impact Assessment

LIFE is a successful instrument

EU Action for Environment & Climate is necessary

Better Thematic Prioritisation is needed

Further simplification is possible

Management can be improved

2. Objectives of the LIFE Programme

LIFE should be used as a catalyst;

LIFE should promote implementation and integrationof environment and climate objectives in other policies and Member State practice, including mainstreaming;

LIFE should contribute to the improvement and dissemination of knowledge-base;

Emphasis will also be placed on better governance;

Specific link to EU priorities: resource efficiency, biodiversity loss and climate adaptation and mitigation

3. Structure

Creation of two sub-programmes:

LIFE sub-programme for Environment

LIFE sub-programme for Climate Action

3. StructureLIFE sub-programme for Environment: three priority areas

Environment & Resource Efficiency

Biodiversity

Environmental Governance & Information


Environment & Resource Efficiency: shift focus towards implementation through Integrated Projects (waste, water, air);

Includes a specific objective in relation to Resource efficiency;

Development, test and demonstration of policy approaches, best practices and solutions to environmental problems;

Private sector oriented market-replication excluded (to be covered under Horizon 2020)


Biodiversity: focused on Natura2000 (in particular Integrated projects to implement Prioritised Action Frameworks);

and the implementation of EU Biodiversity Strategy2020;

best practice and demonstration for nature and biodiversity

50% of resources allocated to projects under the sub-programme for Environment


Environmental Governance & Information:

Supports information and awareness raising projectsand activities and facilitates knowledge sharing;

Supports cooperation Networks, and best practices for enforcement and compliance;

Promotes better governance and supports environmental NGOs.

3. Structure

LIFE Climate Action:three priority areas

LIFE Climate Mitigation

LIFE Climate Adaptation

LIFE Climate Governance & Information

4. Multi Annual Work ProgrammesBalance between bottom-up and top-down in programming:

Closer links to Union policy priorities

Shift from a pure bottom-up approach to a flexible top-down approach

Work programmes valid for at least two years

These will cover e.g., priorities, allocation of resources between interventions, and targets for the period – not exhaustive

5. Types of Funding

Action Grants, both traditional and larger, integrated projects

Operating Grants

Other types of Funding (e.g., studies, conferences, etc.)

Possibility to make contributions to innovative financial instruments

5. Types of FundingIntegrated Projects:

Aiming at implementation of plans, programmes or strategies required by EU environmental or climate legislation or pursuant to other acts or developed by MS authorities;

Larger scale, e.g., regional, multiregional, national;

Primarily in the areas of nature, water, waste, air, climate mitigation and adaptation

Integrated projects shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of responsibility sharing and solidarity

Sustainability will be important as well as mobilisation of other EU funds

Integrated Project - NatureA Region develops a Regional Programme for Natura2000 covering all 10 sites under its jurisdiction

It identifies a range of management and conservation activities.

The region then identifies the financial needs for the implementation of these activities and submits a proposal for a LIFE Integrated Project.

This project clearly specifies the activities or group of activities among those included in the programme that will be financed by LIFE (e.g. the restoration and connectivity activities, capacitybuilding, awareness raising).

In addition, it presents evidence on how it will use other funds(e.g. from EARDF, ERDF, private) to implement the complementary measures included in the programme (compensation payments, correction of power lines, infrastructure etc).

Integrated Project - WaterA Competent Authority for a River Basin develops a River Basin Management Plan according to the requirements of the WFD.The Competent Authority submits, together with the most relevantassociated bodies/organisations, a proposal for a LIFE Integrated Project. This project clearly specifies the measures/activities or group of measures/activities among those included in the River Basin Management Plan (and programme of measures) that will be financed by LIFE (e.g. removal of obstacles for river connectivity to improve fish migration, development of monitoring methods, awareness raising, partnerships etc.). In addition, it presents evidence on how it will use other available funds (e.g. from ERDF, EARDF, public, private) to implement the complementary measures included in the programme (compensations payments, infrastructure etc).

6. Territorial ScopePossible Participation of Third Countries (as per current LIFE+)

Possible Co-operation with International Organisations(e.g., international studies such as TEEB)

Activities outside the Union in exceptional cases

Action outside the EU is indispensable to achieve EU environmental/climate objectives; or

To ensure the effectiveness of interventions carried out in the MS; and

The Coordinating beneficiary is based in the EU

7. Simplification

Lighter Procedures

Improved use of IT tools

and larger projects

Simplified rules on

eligibility of costs

8. ManagementCentrally Managed: The management of the programme remains at EU level

Possible use of Executive Agency

But maintain important link with Policy

9. Calendar for adoptionIndicative calendar:

12/12/2011: Adoption Commission proposal for a new LIFE Regulation

19/12/ 2011: First Presentation of the Draft Regulation at the Environment Council

2012-2013: Co-Decision Procedure to adopt a Regulation

8. ManagementCentrally Managed: The management of the programme remains at EU level

Possible use of Executive Agency

But maintain important link with Policy

9. Calendar for adoptionIndicative calendar:

12/12/2011: Adoption Commission proposal for a new LIFE Regulation

19/12/ 2011: First Presentation of the Draft Regulation at the Environment Council

2012-2013: Co-Decision Procedure to adopt a Regulation

commission proposal for a new life regulation...

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